Lawyers for Liberty adviser N Surendran, representing the family, called for the case to be classified as attempted murder, and for those responsible to be prosecuted.

They also want the military and the defence ministry to explain what transpired, for all personnel involved to be suspended, and for a royal commission of inquiry to be established.

Surendran said the family from Sabah received no explanation of how Hamid was injured despite lodging a report at the Mersing police headquarters on March 14.

They were only told he had “fallen” on March 11, he added.

“He sustained severe injuries, with part of his skull exposed, from a punishment allegedly meted out at the camp. It was said to be part of training or discipline, but we do not know the full facts.

“Hamid is now unaware of his surroundings, cannot speak, and can only eat and breathe through tubes. Although he can open his eyes, he cannot respond to his family,” he said.

Hamid, the seventh child of eight siblings, is currently being treated in the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.

Surendran pointed out that under the Armed Forces Field Punishment Regulations 1976, soldiers cannot be beaten as punishment, with only detention or drills permitted.

Hamid’s mother Josmah Duim said he had never complained about any beatings previously, and would regularly text her updates about his work and duties.

“As his mother, I demand justice. I cannot accept what happened to my son. I’m sad and traumatised because the night before the incident, he still managed to video call me and his younger brother,” she said.

Lawyer Suzana Norlihan said an investigating officer told the family two weeks ago that the case would be referred to Bukit Aman and the deputy public prosecutor.

Hamid, who joined the army in July 2023 and became a full commando in 2024, has since served with the 22nd Commando Regiment.

The family said it will lodge another report today at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters seeking to have the case classified as attempted murder.